Breastfeeding is nature's health plan
Making the decision
to breastfeed is a personal matter. It's also one that's likely to
draw strong opinions from friends and family.
Breast milk is
best for your baby, and the benefits of breastfeeding extend
well beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and
nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life, breast
milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby
from illness.
That's one
reason Many medical authorities, including the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists, strongly recommend breastfeeding. But you and your baby are
unique, and the decision is up to you. This overview of breastfeeding can
help you decide.
What Are the Benefits
of Breastfeeding for Your Baby?
Breast milk provides the
ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix
of vitamins, protein, and fat -- everything your baby needs to grow. And
it's all provided in a form more easily digested
than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that
help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria and antibodies
to help your baby’s body and brain develop.
Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ
scores in later childhood in some studies. What's more, the physical
closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your
baby bond with you and feel secure.
Breastfeeding Benefits for the Mother?
Breastfeeding burns
extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. Mothers
who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormone
oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its
regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding also lowers your risk of breast
and ovarian cancer.
What's the Best Position for Breastfeeding?
Few moms think breastfeeding will come naturally and they get
put to the test in those first days and weeks. "It's supposed to be the
most beautiful time in your life, yet you're full of insecurities, not knowing
if you're doing it right. But relax I will discuss best position for
breastfeeding.
The best position for you is the one where you and your baby
are both comfortable and relaxed, and you don't have to strain to hold
the position or keep nursing.
Side-lying hold: To feed on the left breast, lie on your left side with your back
supported. Lay baby on his side facing you, his chest against yours. Your right
arm will support his body, and your right hand will support his head, bringing
him toward your breast. Some mothers are more comfortable with the baby.
Cradle hold: This classic breastfeeding position requires you to the baby lies on his side, tummy against mom’s tummy, supported by her left arm while he nurses on the left breast. The mother may put her right hand under baby’s bottom, or use it to support or adjust her breast. Sit in a chair that has supportive armrests or on a bed with lots of pillows. Rest your feet on a stool, coffee table, or other raised surface to avoid leaning down toward your baby.
Laid-back breastfeeding: “Many moms and babies love the laid-back breastfeeding position because
it’s so natural for baby and relaxing for mom,” says Stephanie Nguyen. It also called “biological nurturing,” this involves having the mother find a comfortable, well-supported,
semi-reclining position, and putting her new baby tummy down on her belly or
chest in a vertical position.
Football hold: Hold baby at your side face up and lengthwise, supported by pillows. If nursing on your right side, use your right arm to support baby at your side, and guide her head to your breast.
Cross-cradle hold: This is the one most moms prefer because baby is draped across your body and you can easily see what he’s doing when latching. It’s also the easiest nursing-in-public position. It’s uncomfortable to keep using this position as the baby gets bigger. In this position, the mother feeding her baby on the left breast would use her left hand to support her breast, and her right arm and hand to support the baby.
Know about ABC of
Breastfeeding?
- A = Awareness. Watch for your baby's signs of hunger, and
breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry. This is called "on demand" feeding. The
first few weeks, you may be nursing eight to 12 times every 24 hours. Don't
wait for your baby to cry. That's a sign he's too hungry.
- B = Be patient. Breastfeed as long as your baby wants to nurse
each time. Don't hurry your infant through feedings. Infants typically breastfeed
for 10 to 20 minutes on each breast.
- C = Comfort. This is key. Relax while breastfeeding, and your milk is more
likely to "let down" and flow. Get yourself comfortable with
pillows as needed to support your arms, head, and neck, and a footrest to
support your feet and legs before you begin to breastfeed.
Use of this site and the information
contained herein does not create a
doctor-patient relationship. We don’t know about your health position. So
Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any
questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of
others.
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